Stu's Stories as at 2024

Both Kate Costello and Margaret West are buried at Boorowa. It is now known that Kate Cain died in St Vincents Hospital, Sydney 15 Dec 1875. It is some time following this that it is believed that Margaret West was brought in to care for James’ young family. Margaret’s first child is not shown as James’ daughter on his death certificate, so it is possible that Elizabeth was born prior to Margaret going to work for James. Margaret’s other 6 children, Agnes (b. 1881), Ada (b. 17 Apr 1885), Catherine (b. 4 July 1887), Henry Matthew (b. 31 Aug 1889), Jessica (b. 5 Feb 1892), and James (b. 2 Jan 1895), are listed as children of Margaret and James. Margaret West died 6 May 1917 at Boorowa, New South Wales. Right: The Ballagh Monument to the 14 men of Tipperary. I have included here a picture of the Ballagh Monument, as it typifies the problems that beset the Irish people in those times, and that, in consequence, led to many Irish being transported to Australia to become the backbone of a fledgling nation. An interesting aside to this monument is the fact that the man who unveiled the rock, Brian Burke, at that time WA Ambassador to Ireland, and a former Premier of Western Australia, was himself brought home and later gaoled. Irony? Or perhaps past ghosts seeking revenge! P a g e | 124